Matica Srpska: Inappropriate Interruption of the St. Sava Academy, Use of Physical Force Unacceptable

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Matica Srpska has described as “inappropriate” a Jan. 26 attempt by a group of students to disrupt the St. Sava Recital in Novi Sad, condemning as "unacceptable" the violent reaction by individuals who, according to the institution, are not part of Matica Srpska's security nor were they hired by it.

During the ceremony at Matica Srpska, a group of students attempted to recite a poem written by the institution's president, Dragan Stanic, which mentions a "railway platform canopy." However, they were prevented by several individuals who identified themselves as security personnel and forcibly removed the students from the hall.

Matica Srpska called for urgent dialogue "within the framework of the legal order," warning that "if divisions and conflicts persist, the consequences could become catastrophic."

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that the disruption of the St. Sava Recital is part of "continued attacks at all Serbian institutions, particularly in the north of the country," promising that the state will "strongly and resolutely oppose this, using all permitted democratic and political means."

"Our duty is to respond with peace, patience, and a serious approach. It is important for us to show respect for political opponents and those who think differently in a calm and tolerant manner. It is important for us to understand very well that things in Serbia change through democratic means only," the president emphasized.

Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic described the incident that took place the previous evening as "a premeditated provocative act aimed at eliciting a response from the authorities," while Vojvodina’s premier, Maja Gojkovic, called it "an intrusion by a group of anarchists led by the leaders of an anti-Serbian coalition that have been attacking Vojvodina and Matica Srpska as of late."

The Serbian Orthodox Church stated that students in Serbia live in parallel universes, adding that it is up to them to decide whether they want to live in the world spoken of by Patriarch Porfirije or in one where all St. Sava values and Serbian identity markers are ridiculed.

The majority of employees at Matica Srpska in Novi Sad have voiced their support for the demands of the students blocking their faculties. In their statement, they condemned "all forms of violence" and stated that the students are "leading protests with a clear vision of a just society built on solid foundations."